Slash: History, Albums, Solo Career and Official Merchandise

Slash — Biography, Albums, Solo Career and Legacy

Slash — born Saul Hudson on 23 July 1965 in Hampstead, London — is one of the most iconic and recognisable guitarists in rock history. Raised in Los Angeles, he rose to global fame as the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses, before forging a formidable solo career that continues to this day. His signature top hat, Les Paul, and coiling cigarette smoke are as iconic as the music itself.

Early Life

Born to a British father and an American mother, Slash moved to Los Angeles as a child. He picked up the guitar in his early teens and quickly developed a style rooted in blues, hard rock, and the raw energy of the Sunset Strip scene. By the mid-1980s he had become one of the most sought-after young guitarists in LA.

Guns N' Roses (1985–2008)

Slash co-founded Guns N' Roses in Los Angeles in 1985 alongside Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler. The band's debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), became the best-selling debut album of all time in the US, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. Slash's guitar work on tracks like Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, and Sweet Child O' Mine defined the sound of an era.

The band followed with G N' R Lies (1988) and the ambitious double album Use Your Illusion I & II (1991), which debuted at No.1 and No.2 on the US Billboard 200. Slash departed GNR in 1996 following creative tensions with Axl Rose.

He reunited with Axl Rose and Duff McKagan in 2016 for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour — one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history, earning over $580 million and playing to more than 5 million fans worldwide.

Slash's Snakepit (1995–2001)

Following his departure from GNR, Slash formed Slash's Snakepit, releasing two albums: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (1995) and Ain't Life Grand (2000). The project showcased his blues-driven solo style and established him as a credible force outside of GNR.

Velvet Revolver (2002–2008)

Slash joined forces with former GNR bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner and Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland, to form Velvet Revolver. The band released two albums — Contraband (2004) and Libertad (2007) — and won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Solo Career (2010–Present)

Slash launched his solo career in earnest with his self-titled debut album in 2010, featuring a roster of guest vocalists. He then formed a permanent partnership with vocalist Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, releasing:

  • Apocalyptic Love (2012)
  • World on Fire (2014)
  • Living the Dream (2018)
  • 4 (2022)

The Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators project has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest living rock guitarists and a prolific solo artist in his own right.

Shop Official Slash Merchandise

Celebrate Slash's extraordinary legacy with officially licensed solo merchandise at Wonderhaul:

Browse the full Slash collection →

Read the complete guide: Official Slash Merchandise: The Complete Wonderhaul Collection

Slash & Guns N' Roses Merch

Slash's years with GNR are celebrated across the full Guns N' Roses collection, including the Slash '85 portrait t-shirts and the complete GNR range. Read the full guide: Official Guns N' Roses Merchandise: The Complete Wonderhaul Collection.

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  • AC/DC — Hard rock legends who share Slash's blues-driven intensity
  • Led Zeppelin — The blues-rock pioneers who shaped Slash's playing

Explore our complete Rock Music History Knowledge Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Slash born?

Slash was born Saul Hudson on 23 July 1965 in Hampstead, London, and raised in Los Angeles.

What band is Slash famous for?

Slash is best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses, one of the best-selling rock bands of all time. He has also released four solo albums with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.

Did Slash rejoin Guns N' Roses?

Yes — Slash reunited with Axl Rose and Duff McKagan in 2016 for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history.

Where can I buy official Slash merchandise in the UK?

Wonderhaul stocks officially licensed Slash solo merchandise including t-shirts and accessories, with UK delivery and worldwide shipping. Browse the full Slash collection.